If you’re looking for something special to serve alongside your lemon pepper chicken, you’ve got numerous options across various categories, including vegetables, rice, cheese, sauce, and beverages. Here are the 27+ best recommendations:
- Steamed Asparagus [Vegetable]
- Roasted Vegetables [Vegetable]
- Grilled Corn On The Cob [Vegetable]
- Caesar Salad [Vegetable]
- Coleslaw [Vegetable]
- Greek Salad [Vegetable]
- Lemon Garlic Green Beans [Vegetable]
- Basmati Rice [Rice]
- Pilaf [Rice]
- Mediterranean Rice [Rice]
- Herbed Rice [Rice]
- Feta [Cheese]
- Parmesan [Cheese]
- Goat Cheese [Cheese]
- Mozzarella [Cheese]
- Gouda [Cheese]
- Ricotta [Cheese]
- Lemon Butter Sauce [Sauce]
- Garlic Aioli [Sauce]
- Sriracha Mayo [Sauce]
- Honey Mustard Sauce [Sauce]
- Chimichurri Sauce [Sauce]
- Tzatziki Sauce [Sauce]
- Sparkling Water [Beverage]
- Beer [Beverage]
- White Wine [Beverage]
- Citrus Cocktails [Beverage]
Steamed Asparagus [Vegetable]
Lemon pepper chicken has a tangy flavor profile due to the combination of lemon and black pepper. Steamed asparagus has a naturally mild and slightly earthy taste. The bright, citrusy notes from the lemon in the chicken can complement the asparagus, enhancing its natural flavors.
Roasted Vegetables [Vegetable]
Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon zest can create a harmonious side dish that mirrors the lemony aspect of the chicken.
Grilled Corn On The Cob [Vegetable]
This side dish provides a touch of sweetness that balances out the spice and zest of the chicken. It’s another quick and easy option, and its smoky flavor makes it a great match for lemon pepper chicken.
Caesar Salad [Vegetable]
This classic salad with lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing pairs with lemon pepper chicken beautifully. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper can enhance the flavors even more.
Coleslaw [Vegetable]
A mix of shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy dressing adds a crunchy texture that complements the main dish. It’s simple to make and adds a fresh bite to your meal.
Greek Salad [Vegetable]
Serving lemon pepper chicken with Greek salad is a great choice because it combines complementary Mediterranean flavors, such as the citrusy notes in both dishes. The fresh and vibrant ingredients in the Greek salad, like cucumbers and tomatoes, provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken. This pairing offers a balanced and nutritious meal with visual appeal.
Lemon Garlic Green Beans [Vegetable]
This pairing offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken, a visually appealing presentation, and simplicity in preparation. Additionally, green beans offer nutritional advantages and versatility, making them an excellent side option for this dish.
Basmati Rice [Rice]
Basmati rice has a delicate, aromatic flavor with a slightly nutty and floral aroma. It pairs beautifully with the zesty notes of lemon pepper chicken. The rice’s mild taste provides a neutral backdrop for the chicken’s flavors to shine.
Pilaf [Rice]
Serving lemon pepper chicken with pilaf is a great choice due to the complementary flavors, textural balance, and versatility of pilaf. The lemony and citrusy notes of the chicken pair well with the mild, slightly nutty taste of pilaf, creating a harmonious combination.
Mediterranean Rice [Rice]
Mediterranean rice is often seasoned with herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. These herbs complement the citrusy and peppery flavors of the lemon pepper chicken, creating a harmonious and well-balanced meal.
Herbed Rice [Rice]
Herbed rice can be a complete side dish, containing the starch component and additional flavor and nutrition from the herbs. This makes it a convenient and well-rounded accompaniment to the chicken.
Feta [Cheese]
Feta cheese offers a distinctive tanginess and a hint of saltiness, which pairs beautifully with the vibrant acidity of lemon. You can crumble feta cheese and sprinkle it over your lemon pepper chicken or incorporate it into a side salad alongside the chicken dish.
Parmesan [Cheese]
Parmesan cheese is known for its rich, nutty flavor profile. It can enhance the savory aspects of your chicken dish without overwhelming it. Grated Parmesan can be sprinkled over the chicken for added depth of flavor or included in a creamy lemon sauce for a decadent twist.
Goat Cheese [Cheese]
Goat cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly tart taste, making it a delightful companion to the zesty lemon flavor. A small dollop of goat cheese on top of a lemon pepper chicken breast can elevate the dish, or you can blend goat cheese with herbs and lemon zest to create a flavorful sauce of stuffing.
Mozzarella [Cheese]
Mozzarella cheese is recognized for its mild, creamy character and its ability to melt beautifully. It can be an excellent choice for lemon pepper chicken in various preparations. Consider using mozzarella as a topping for a lemon pepper chicken pizza or in a baked chicken dish with lemon and pepper seasoning, where it can melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
Gouda [Cheese]
Gouda is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild and sweet flavor. Consider making a lemon pepper chicken sandwich and adding Gouda cheese slices. The creaminess of Gouda pairs nicely with the seasoned chicken, and it can be especially enjoyable if the sandwich is grilled or toasted to melt the cheese.
Ricotta [Cheese]
Ricotta cheese is mild and creamy, contrasting with the bold lemon and pepper seasoning. Mix ricotta with herbs and lemon zest to create a flavorful topping or stuffing for your chicken, adding a creamy and delicate element.
Lemon Butter Sauce [Sauce]
This classic sauce is a natural pairing for lemon pepper chicken. It’s made by melting butter and combining it with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The rich, creamy butter complements the zesty lemon and pepper seasoning wonderfully.
Garlic Aioli [Sauce]
Garlic aioli is a creamy, garlicky sauce that can add a luxurious touch to your dish. It’s made by blending mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The combination of garlic and lemon adds depth to the chicken’s flavor.
Sriracha Mayo [Sauce]
If you enjoy a bit of heat, blend Sriracha hot sauce with mayonnaise. Adjust the ratio to achieve your desired level of spiciness. This combination adds a spicy kick to the chicken.
Honey Mustard Sauce [Sauce]
For a sweet and tangy twist, consider a honey mustard sauce. You can create it by mixing honey, Dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This sauce provides a delightful contrast to the heat of lemon pepper.
Chimichurri Sauce [Sauce]
To infuse South American flavors, serve your lemon pepper chicken with chimichurri sauce. This green sauce consists of fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. It adds a vibrant and herbaceous dimension to your dish.
Tzatziki Sauce [Sauce]
Tzatziki is a cooling sauce that works well with the spicy notes of lemon pepper chicken. It’s prepared using Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs such as dill and mint. The refreshing and tangy nature of tzatziki contrasts nicely with the spiciness.
Sparkling Water [Beverage]
For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water is a refreshing choice. Add a twist of lemon or lime to your sparkling water to enhance the citrus notes and cleanse your palate between chicken bites.
Beer [Beverage]
If you’re a beer enthusiast, consider opting for a light and crisp lager or pilsner. These beer styles complement the flavors of lemon pepper chicken well. The enthusiasm and mild maltiness of the beer can provide a pleasant balance to the dish.
White Wine [Beverage]
A well-chosen white wine can elevate your lemon pepper chicken experience. Varietals like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices due to their crispness and citrusy notes. The acidity in these wines harmonizes with the tangy lemon and peppery seasoning, creating a delightful pairing.
Citrus Cocktails [Beverage]
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, several citrus-based options exist. Classics like the Tom Collins, Lemon Drop Martini, or Mojito all feature a citrusy kick that harmonizes beautifully with the lemon notes in the chicken.
FAQs
What to serve with Ina Garten lemon chicken?
We recommend a lemon and thyme-flavored risotto or Ina Garten’s lemony mashed potatoes. A simple celery salad is also a good choice to go with the lemon taste of the chicken.
What goes best with chicken breast?
You can try a tasty potato salad with bacon or cheesy bread made from crescent roll dough. Herb-flavored rice from the slow cooker is another good option. Simple mashed potatoes, spiced carrots, and cheesy asparagus also work well.
What to serve with chicken and rice?
To go with chicken and rice, you could add well-liked extras like garlic toast for a tasty crunch or a spinach leaf mix for a fresh, green side. Add a bowl of mixed fruit for a light and tasty option to make your meal more colorful and fun.
References:
- Quora – What side dishes go with lemon pepper chicken? – https://www.quora.com/What-side-dishes-go-with-lemon-pepper-chicken